Vehicle Description
1965 Ford Custom 500
Let's turn on the B & W TV and see what's on in 1965....The opening
theme song was called "The Fishin' Hole." It was composed by Earle
Hagen and Herbert Spencer. That's Earle you hear whistling the song
himself on the show's opening and closing credits. Everett Sloane
composed the lyrics to the song, which were never used on the
series. Andy Griffith actually made a record of the words to the
song. At the beginning of the show, where you see Andy and Opie
walking down the road together, you will see Opie throwing a rock
and Andy nodding or shaking his head in acknowledgement. This was
Andy's personal tribute to his own father, who he said would shake
his head in the same manner to tell him "nice work" or "good
job."
Yes, my friends right out of 1965 Law enforcement with all its
fixins, we give you a Custom 500 Sheriff's car. This was an actual
car used for Sheriff work, and it would be utilized to do
everything from high speed chases, to transporting prisoners, to
shootings. Owned by a rural Sheriff's department from 1964 through
1968, it was witness to a lot of action, and is equipped to do so.
A uniform, and ticket book hanging in the back seat proves this to
be true.
Exterior
In lieu of the iconic Black and White, we are met with a calmer
Brown and Tan two tone exterior paint. Some areas of scratching,
and denting are present, but are battle scars from its years in the
line of fire, so to say. Emblazoned with Sheriff Badging, it has a
long whip antenna, a "bubble gum" spinning red light on the roof,
lower red flashing headlights, and a very loud siren/loudspeaker
system. Overall, it's a standard Custom 500, with good gaps,
straight steel, and was cared for in its after-service life.
Interior
A Palomino dyed split bench in vinyl covers the front seat, and for
the perps, a rear bench stretches from door to door. Watch your
head when you are getting in with your hands behind your back. In
addition to the standard dash, and instrumentation which is very
clean and original, we note a gaggle of electronics in the center
below the dash, to include Light/Siren Controls, Police radios
which are fully operational, a CB radio, and working radar. The
headliner has a few soil marks but hangs tight. Carpet is a bit
worn and shows some age.
Drivetrain
A 240ci Inline 6-cylinder, original condition, is found under the
hood. It has a 1-barrel carburetor, and a 3-speed automatic
transmission. A test drive revealed it runs well, shifts smoothly,
and when we could actually hear the engine above our overzealous
use of the siren, it was quiet.
Undercarriage
Normal wear and tear with plenty of rustproofing spray abounding
underneath. It appears structurally sound underneath but is hard to
tell because of all the plethora of rustproofing spray.
Clear the highway, and set the roadblock, as we are in hot pursuit
of a suspect. Sirens blaring, lights flashing, and on the radio
with HQ, we picked up a guy who was doing at least 42 in a 25 zone.
This car can still do it all, and the presentation is very nice. A
few battle scars, but all in working condition, thanks to a Sheriff
owner who kept it a secret that he actually owned it for 20 years.
He is now serving life for doing so...NOT!
VIN Decode
5E51V297047
5-1965
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
51-Custom 500 2 Door Sedan
V-240CUI I6
297047-Sequential Unit Number
Warranty Tag
BODY 62B-Custom 500 2 Door Sedan
COLOR JM-Rangoon Red & White
TRIM 49-Light Palomino Vinyl
DATE 21G- July 21st Build
DSO 15-Newark, NJ
AXLE 1-3.00
TRANS 6-C4 Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.